tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
Low SARS-CoV-2 Cq values in healthcare workers with symptomatic COVID-19 infections, regardless of symptom severity, The Netherlands, January to August 2022
Authors: Carsten van Rossum, Corianne Meijer, Ingrid JM van Weerdenburg, Edmée C Bowles, Chantal P Rovers, Jaap ten Oever, Kim Stol, Nannet DJ van der Geest, Matthew B McCall, Alma Tostmann
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2023)

We analysed SARS-CoV-2 PCR Cq values from 3,183 healthcare workers who tested positive between January and August 2022. Median Cq values were lower in symptomatic than in asymptomatic HCW. The difference in Cq values between HCW with mild vs moderate/severe symptoms was statistically significant but negligibly small. To prevent nosocomial infections, all symptomatic HCW should be tested irrespective of symptom severity. This information can support decisions on testing and isolation, in the context of ongoing pressure on healthcare systems.
Effect of neuraminidase inhibitor (oseltamivir) treatment on outcome of hospitalised influenza patients, surveillance data from 11 EU countries, 2010 to 2020
Authors: Cornelia Adlhoch, Concepción Delgado-Sanz, AnnaSara Carnahan, Amparo Larrauri, Odette Popovici, Nathalie Bossuyt, Isabelle Thomas, Jan Kynčl, Pavel Slezak, Mia Brytting, Raquel Guiomar, Monika Redlberger-Fritz, Jackie Maistre Melillo, Tanya Melillo, Arianne B. van Gageldonk-Lafeber, Sierk D. Marbus, Joan O’Donnell, Lisa Domegan, Joana Gomes Dias, Sonja J. Olsen
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2023)

BackgroundTimely treatment with neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI) can reduce severe outcomes in influenza patients.AimWe assessed the impact of antiviral treatment on in-hospital deaths of laboratory-confirmed influenza patients in 11 European Union countries from 2010/11 to 2019/20.MethodsCase-based surveillance data from hospitalised patients with known age, sex, outcome, ward, vaccination status, timing of antiviral treatment, and hospitalisation were obtained. A mixed effect logistic regression model using country as random intercept was applied to estimate the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for in-hospital death in patients treated with NAIs vs not treated.ResultsOf 19,937 patients, 31% received NAIs within 48 hours of hospital admission. Older age (60-79 years aOR 3.0, 95% CI: 2.4-3.8; 80 years 8.3 (6.6-10.5)) and intensive care unit admission (3.8, 95% CI: 3.4-4.2) increased risk of dying, while early hospital admission after symptom onset decreased risk (aOR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.90-0.93). NAI treatment initiation within 48 hours and up to 7 days reduced risk of dying (0-48 hours aOR 0.51, 95% CI: 0.45-0.59; 3-4 days 0.59 (0.51-0.67); 5-7 days 0.64 (0.56-0.74)), in particular in patients 40 years and older (e.g. treatment within 48 hours: 40-59 years aOR 0.43, 95% CI: 0.28-0.66; 60-79 years 0.50 (0.39-0.63); ≥80 years 0.51 (0.42-0.63)).ConclusionNAI treatment given within 48 hours and possibly up to 7 days after symptom onset reduced risk of in-hospital death. NAI treatment should be considered in older patients to prevent severe outcomes.
Thromboprophylaxis in Patients With Fontan Circulation
Authors: Jef Van den Eynde, Mathias Possner, Fares Alahdab, Gruschen Veldtman, Bryan H. Goldstein, Rahul H. Rathod, Arvind K. Hoskoppal, Anita Saraf, Brian Feingold, Tarek Alsaied
Journal: Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2023)
Survivors of Pediatric HL May Age More Quickly
Journal: Cancer Discovery (2023)

A study of long-term survivors of pediatric Hodgkin lymphoma presented at the 2022 American Society of Hematology Annual Meeting and Exposition shows that they have an increased risk for cognitive impairment and early death when compared with individuals who never had the disease. The results suggest that they may experience accelerated aging and that assessing the biomarker for epigenetic age acceleration could be critical in addressing long-term effects of treatment on survivors of cancer.
Association of SARS-CoV-2 viral load distributions with individual demographics and suspected variant type: results from the Liverpool community testing pilot, England, 6 November 2020 to 8 September 2021
Authors: David M Hughes, Christopher P Cheyne, Matthew Ashton, Emer Coffey, Alex Crozier, Malcolm G Semple, Iain Buchan, Marta García-Fiñana
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2023)

BackgroundThe PCR quantification cycle (C
Risk of fracture in adults with type 2 diabetes in Sweden: A national cohort study
Authors: Kristian F. Axelsson, Henrik Litsne, Konstantina Kousoula, Stefan Franzén, Björn Eliasson, Mattias Lorentzon
Journal: PLoS Medicine (2023)

Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered a risk factor for fracture but the evidence regarding the impact of T2DM on fracture risk is conflicting. The objective of the study was to determine if patients with T2DM have increased fracture risk and if T2DM-related risk factors could be identified. Methods and findings In this national cohort study in Sweden, we investigated the risk of fracture in 580,127 T2DM patients, identified through the national diabetes register including from both primary care and hospitals, and an equal number of population-based controls without diabetes matched for age, sex, and county from 2007 to 2017. The mean age at entry was 66.7 years and 43.6% were women. During a median follow-up time of 6.6 (interquartile range (IQR) 3.1 to 9.8) years, patients with T2DM had a marginally but significantly increased risk of major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) (hazard ratio (HR) 1.01 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.00 to 1.03)) and hip fracture (HR 1.06 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.08)) compared to controls, associations that were only minimally affected (HR 1.05 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.06) and HR 1.11 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.14), respectively) by multivariable adjustment (age, sex, marital status, and an additional 20 variables related to general morbidity, cardiovascular status, risk of falls, and fracture). In a multivariable-adjusted Cox model, the proportion of the risk for all fracture outcomes (Heller’s R2) explained by T2DM was below 0.1%. Among the T2DM patients, important risk factors for fracture were a low BMI (&lt;25 kg/m 2 ), long diabetes duration (≥15 years), insulin treatment, and low physical activity. In total, 55% of the T2DM patients had none of these risk factors and a significantly lower fracture risk than their respective controls. The relatively short mean duration of T2DM and lack of bone density data, constitute limitations of the analysis. Conclusion In this study, we observed only a marginally increased fracture risk in T2DM, a condition that explained less than 0.1% of the fracture risk. Consideration of the herein identified T2DM-related risk factors could be used to stratify T2DM patients according to fracture risk.
Response to Letter to the Editor: Importance of considering high-risk behaviours in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness estimates with observational studies
Authors: Catharina E van Ewijk, Susan JM Hahné, Mirjam J Knol
Journal: Eurosurveillance (2023)

Preview this article: Response to Letter to the Editor: Importance of considering high-risk behaviours in COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness estimates with observational studies, Page 1 of 1 < Previous page | Next page > /docserver/preview/fulltext/eurosurveillance/28/4/eurosurv-28-4-5-1.gif
Viewing RCC with a DNA Methylation Lens ENHANCES Understanding of ICI Resistance
Authors: Mi Zhou, William Y. Kim
Journal: Clinical Cancer Research (2023)

Summary Clear-cell renal cell carcinoma tumors with an enhancer demethylator phenotype (TED) harbor a worse prognosis and derive less clinical benefit from immunotherapy. The TED phenotype may help predict immunotherapy resistance. See related article by Lu et al., p. 1279
Laboratory-Confirmed COVID-19 Case Incidence Rates Among Residents in Nursing Homes by Up-to-Date Vaccination Status — United States, October 10, 2022–January 8, 2023
Authors: Heather Dubendris, Hannah E. Reses, Emily Wong, Phillip Dollard, Minn Soe, Meng Lu, Jonathan R. Edwards, Tamara Pilishvili, Theresa Rowe, Andrea Benin, Jeneita M. Bell
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2023)

Nursing home residents have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19; older age, comorbidities, and the congregate nature of nursing homes place residents at higher risk for infection and severe COVID-19-associated outcomes, including death (1). Studies have demonstrated that receipt of a primary COVID-19 mRNA vaccination series (2) and monovalent booster doses (3) is effective in reducing COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality in this population. Public health recommendations for staying up to date with COVID-19 vaccination have been revised throughout the pandemic response, most recently to include an updated (bivalent) booster dose, which protects against both the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 and recent Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5 (4). However, data on the effectiveness of staying up to date, including with bivalent booster doses, are lacking among nursing home residents. CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) analyzed surveillance data to examine weekly incidence rates of COVID-19 among nursing home residents by up-to-date vaccination status (receipt of a bivalent booster dose or completion of a primary series or receipt of a monovalent booster dose within the previous 2 months [i.e., not yet eligible to receive a bivalent booster dose]).* Up-to-date vaccination status among nursing home residents remained low throughout the study period, increasing to 48.9% by the week ending January 8, 2023. During October 10, 2022-January 8, 2023, the COVID-19 weekly incidence rates (new cases per 1,000 nursing home residents) among residents who were not up to date with COVID-19 vaccination were consistently higher than those among residents who were up to date. Moreover, the weekly incidence rate ratios (IRRs) indicated that residents who were not up to date with COVID-19 vaccines had a higher risk for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 than their up-to-date counterparts (IRR range = 1.3-1.5). It is critical that nursing home residents stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and receive a bivalent booster dose to maximize protection against COVID-19.
<i>QuickStats:</i> Age-Adjusted Percentage* of Adults Aged ≥18 Years With Arthritis,† by Sex and Race and Hispanic Origin — National Health Interview Survey,§ United States, 2021
Authors: Nazik Elgaddal, Ellen Kramarow
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2023)

Support Width OptionsPage wide = 7.5" QuickStats = 5.0" 1½ columns = 4.65" 1 column = 3.57"MenWomen 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 Total White, NH Black or African American, NH Hispanic or Latino Asian, NH Percentage with arthritis Race and Hispanic origin 100 Abbreviation: NH = non-Hispanic.* Age-adjusted percentages are based on the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau standard population, using age groups 18-44, 45-64, 65-74, and ≥75 years, with 95% CIs indicated by error bars.† Based on a positive response to the question, "Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health professional that you had some form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia?"§ Estimates are based on household interviews of a sample of the civilian, noninstitutionalized U.S. population.In 2021, among adults aged ≥18 years, women were more likely to have arthritis than were men (21.0%versus 16.2%).This pattern was consistent among non-Hispanic White (White) (22.2% versus 17.7%), non-Hispanic Black or African American (Black) (24.6% versus 13.9%), and Hispanic or Latino (17.7% versus 12.4%) adults.Among non-Hispanic Asian (Asian) adults, the higher rate of arthritis among women compared with men (11.8% versus 10.1%) was not statistically significant.Among women, Asian adults were least likely to have arthritis, whereas among men, Asian adults were less likely than White or Black adults to have arthritis.
Prevalence of Meeting Aerobic, Muscle-Strengthening, and Combined Physical Activity Guidelines During Leisure Time Among Adults, by Rural-Urban Classification and Region — United States, 2020
Authors: Christiaan G. Abildso, Shay M. Daily, M. Renée Umstattd Meyer, Cynthia K. Perry, Amy Eyler
Journal: MMWR Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (2023)

The healthful effects of physical activity on a multitude of physical and mental health outcomes are well documented (1). Despite promising increases in the percentage of U.S. adults meeting aerobic and muscle-strengthening physical activity guidelines (guidelines)* (1) during leisure time in nearly all demographic and regional subgroups 1998-2018 (2,3), differences by rurality and U.S. Census Bureau region (Northeast, Midwest, South, and West), persist (4). Before 2020, analyses of rural-urban differences were dichotomized into nonmetropolitan (rural) versus metropolitan (urban) areas; however, in 2020 a four-category rural-urban variable† to classify rural-urban status was included in the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) public-use dataset. NHIS 2020 data were used to conduct multivariate logistic regression analyses by rural-urban status and U.S. Census Bureau region of the prevalence of meeting the aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines during leisure time among adults aged ≥18 years, controlling for demographic characteristics. Prevalence of meeting the aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines was consistently the lowest in Nonmetropolitan counties (38.2%, 21.1%, and 16.1%, respectively) and highest in the West region (52.1%, 35.3%, and 28.5%, respectively). Regardless of rural-urban classification and region, no more than 28% of adults met combined aerobic and muscle-strengthening guidelines. Adults in the most rural category were significantly less likely to meet aerobic, muscle-strengthening, and combined guidelines than were adults in each of the three other categories (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] range = 0.68-0.89). In addition, adults in medium and small metropolitan counties were less likely to meet guidelines than were adults in the two most urban categories (aOR range = 0.85-0.89). Adults in the Northeast, Midwest, and South U.S. Census Bureau regions were less likely to meet guidelines than were adults in the West region (aOR range = 0.75-0.82). These analyses identify geographic disparities in leisure-time physical activity where focused population-level intervention efforts could help reduce or eliminate the consequent disparities in chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular diseases) and the resulting mortality (5,6).
The genomic landscape of rare disorders in the Middle East
Authors: Maha El Naofal, Sathishkumar Ramaswamy, Ali Alsarhan, Ahmed Nugud, Fatima Sarfraz, Hiba Janbaz, Alan Taylor, Ruchi Jain, Nour Halabi, Sawsan Yaslam, Roudha Alfalasi, Shruti Shenbagam, Fatma Rabea, Martin Bitzan, Lemis Yavuz, Deena Wafadari, Hamda Abulhoul, Shiva Shankar, Munira Al Maazmi, Ruba Rizk, Zeinab Alloub, Haitham Elbashir, Mohamed O. E. Babiker, Nidheesh Chencheri, Ammar AlBanna, Meshal Sultan, Mohamed El Bitar, Safeena Kherani, Nandu Thalange, Sattar Alshryda, Roberto Di Donato, Christos Tzivinikos, Ibrar Majid, Alexandra F. Freeman, Corina Gonzalez, Arif O. Khan, Hisham Hamdan, Walid Abuhammour, Mohamed AlAwadhi, Abdulla AlKhayat, Alawi Alsheikh-Ali, Ahmad N. Abou Tayoun
Journal: Genome Medicine (2023)

Abstract Background Rare diseases collectively impose a significant burden on healthcare systems, especially in underserved regions, like the Middle East, which lack access to genomic diagnostic services and the associated personalized management plans. Methods We established a clinical genomics and genetic counseling facility, within a multidisciplinary tertiary pediatric center, in the United Arab Emirates to locally diagnose and manage patients with rare diseases. Clinical genomic investigations included exome-based sequencing, chromosomal microarrays, and/or targeted testing. We assessed the diagnostic yield and implications for clinical management among this population. Variables were compared using the Fisher exact test. Tests were 2-tailed, and P &lt; .05 was considered statistically significant. Results We present data on 1000 patients with rare diseases (46.2% females; average age, 4.6 years) representing 47 countries primarily from the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Africa, and Asia. The cumulative diagnostic yield was 32.5% (95% CI, 29.7–35.5%) and was higher for genomic sequencing-based testing than chromosomal microarrays (37.9% versus 17.2%, P = 0.0001) across all indications, consistent with the higher burden of single gene disorders. Of the 221 Mendelian disorders identified in this cohort, the majority ( N = 184) were encountered only once, and those with recessive inheritance accounted for ~ 62% of sequencing diagnoses. Of patients with positive genetic findings ( N = 325), 67.7% were less than 5 years of age, and 60% were offered modified management and/or intervention plans. Interestingly, 24% of patients with positive genetic findings received delayed diagnoses (average age, 12.4 years; range 7–37 years), most likely due to a lack of access to genomic investigations in this region. One such genetic finding ended a 15-year-long diagnostic odyssey, leading to a life-threatening diagnosis in one patient, who was then successfully treated using an experimental allogenic bone marrow transplant. Finally, we present cases with candidate genes within regions of homozygosity, likely underlying novel recessive disorders. Conclusions Early access to genomic diagnostics for patients with suspected rare disorders in the Middle East is likely to improve clinical outcomes while driving gene discovery in this genetically underrepresented population.
A milestone reached in the standardization of lichen sclerosus trial outcomes
Authors: Linnea Thorlacius, Murad Alam
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2023)

CORALS (Core Outcomes for Research in Lichen Sclerosus) reached an important milestone with their final consensus on three quite broad core domains: clinical signs, symptoms and LS specific quality of life. This commentary illuminates why there is need for more methodological guidance in core outcome set development processes regarding: (1) the appropriate level of granularity during the domain definition process; and (2) the preferred number of final core domains.
Core outcome domains for lichen sclerosus: a CORALS initiative consensus statement
Authors: Rosalind C Simpson, Gudula Kirtschig, Amanda Selk, Suzanne von Seitzberg, Gitte Vittrup, Ione Bissonnette, Jan Kottner, Jaclyn Lanthier, Chris Stanton, David Foster, Martin Promm, Angelo Augenti, Stefano Lauretti, Kim S Thomas
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2023)

Lichen sclerosus (LS) is a chronic inflammatory condition mainly affecting genital skin. It causes distressing symptoms that impact daily quality of life (QoL). It causes progressive anatomical changes and a potential risk of cancer. Published randomized controlled trials are of varying methodological quality and difficult to combine in meta-analyses. This is partly due to lack of agreed outcome measures to assess treatment response. Identification of core outcome sets (COSs), which standardize key outcomes to be measured in all future trials, is a solution to this problem.To obtain international agreement on which outcome domains should be measured in interventional trials of genital LS.Recommended best practice for COS domain development was followed: (i) identification of potential outcome domains: a long list was generated through an up-to-date LS literature search, including information collected during the LS priority-setting partnership; (ii) provisional agreement of outcome domains: a three-stage multi-stakeholder international electronic-Delphi (e-Delphi) consensus study; (iii) final agreement of outcome domains: online consensus meeting with international stakeholders including anonymized voting.In total, 123 participants (77 patients, 44 health professionals, 2 researchers) from 20 countries completed three rounds of the e-Delphi study. Eleven outcome domains were rated as 'critical' and were discussed at the online consensus meetings. The first set of consensus meetings involved 42 participants from 12 countries. Consensus was met for 'symptoms' (100% agreed) and 'QoL - LS-specific' (92% agreed). After the second set of meetings, involving 29 participants from 12 countries, 'clinical (visible) signs' also met consensus (97% agreed).The international community has agreed on three key outcome domains to measure in all future LS clinical trials. We recommend that trialists and systematic reviewers incorporate these domains into study protocols with immediate effect. CORALS will now work with stakeholders to select an outcome measurement instrument per prioritized core domain.
Long-term clinical trials of biologics in plaque psoriasis demonstrate heterogeneous study designs
Authors: Chloé Grolleau, Laurence Le Cleach, Jason Shourick, Emilie Sbidian, Sivem Afach
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2023)

Numerous network meta-analyses have provided comparative efficacy and safety data for treatments in psoriaasis over a short period (8-24 weeks). So, we conducted a systematic review to map the design and synthesize all 1-year efficacy and safety data of biologic treatments for moderate-to-severe psoriasis from the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) included in the Cochrane review (Sbidian et al., 2022). Among the 81 RCTs included, many different designs are presented after the induction phase. Within a single trial, each arm (placebo, intervention, active comparator) could have a different design: single randomization; crossover; re-randomization. In addition, there was selection of patients into each arm based on the level of PASI response achieved or PGA achieved.
Local cutaneous refractoriness to sun exposure following omalizumab injections in solar urticaria
Authors: Sheila M McSweeney, Keyna Bintcliffe, Hiva Fassihi, Robert Sarkany, Chris Rutkowski
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2023)

Images of solar urticaria in which localized skin areas remained refractory to sun exposure following omalizumab injections.